Bully Lord

Part-71

Mili's sudden stop jolted James out of his musings. He slammed on his brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision with her back wheel.  She gestured towards a brightly lit shop with colorful displays in the window – a sweet shop.

Relief washed over James, momentarily eclipsing the surprise he felt at her champion status.  He hadn't realized how tense he'd become navigating the chaotic streets.  "Sure," he said, parking his bike next to hers and following her inside.

The shop was a haven of cool air and sugary scents.  The clatter of spoons against ceramic mugs and the animated chatter of customers created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Mili scanned the room, a small smile playing on her lips, before settling on an empty table in the corner.  James pulled out a chair and joined her, stealing a glance around the shop.

A friendly-looking woman with a warm smile approached them.  "Mili! The usual cold coffee?"  Her voice held a note of familiarity.

Mili nodded, a flicker of something resembling affection crossing her features.  "Yes, please, Asha.  Make it a double today."

The woman, Asha, winked at James before disappearing behind the counter.  "You come here often," James observed, more to break the comfortable silence than anything else.

Mili leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face.  "Often enough," she replied.  "This place, this cold coffee… it's a bit of a tradition for me.  A quiet space to think, to… disappear for a while."

James couldn't help but feel intrigued.  The national champion cyclist, the serious bookworm, the girl who craved a quiet escape – these seemingly disparate aspects of Mili were slowly weaving themselves into a more complex picture.  He wanted to ask more, to delve deeper into this new side of her, but something held him back.  Perhaps it was respect for her privacy, or maybe a sense of caution, unsure of where this unexpected detour might lead.

Asha returned with two tall glasses of chilled coffee, their surfaces adorned with swirling patterns of whipped cream.  Mili took a long sip, her eyes closing in apparent contentment.  James took a tentative sip of his own, the cool, sweet beverage a welcome contrast to the city's heat.

"So," James began, carefully choosing his words, "where are we going, exactly?"

Mili finally met his gaze, a flicker of determination replacing her earlier contemplation.  "Somewhere you need to see, James.  Somewhere that might explain a lot of things."

Suddenly, a thought struck James: they were drinking coffee together like a couple. Were they on the verge of dating or something? The idea seemed to come out of nowhere, but it lingered in his mind, making him feel both excited and anxious.

This kind of thought was swirling in his head because it was the first time he had ever hung out with a girl other than his sister. He wasn't used to this kind of situation, and it made everything feel new and strange.

As he considered this, his mind drifted back to the many times he had spent with his sister when they were younger. They had hung out together a lot, exploring their neighborhood, playing games, and sharing secrets. Those times were uncomplicated and filled with joy, a stark contrast to the confusing feelings he was experiencing now.

Thinking about those days brought a smile to James's face. It was a sweet memory, one that he cherished deeply. His sister had been his best friend and constant companion, and those moments were some of the happiest of his life.

Now, sitting across from Mili in the coffee shop, he felt a strange mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The memories of his sister provided a comforting backdrop as he navigated this new experience. He took a sip of his coffee, trying to steady his racing thoughts, and glanced at Mili, who seemed lost in her own world.